2012 National Arbor Day Awards

Vision Award

Governor Martin O’Malley—Annapolis, Maryland

Under Governor O’Malley’s Marylanders Plant Trees program, citizens have planted more than 70,000 in just three years – 25,000 every year. In addition, following the damage of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, Governor O’Malley encouraged citizens to replant lost trees by offering a $25 coupon for the purchase of trees native to Maryland. The Governor also worked with three state agencies to launch the Forest Brigade. Under the program, inmates in Maryland prisons have planted one million trees in the state’s public lands. The work is done by inmates on the pathway to release, giving them a leg up on potential job skills while working to beautify the entire state with new trees.

“We not only have the intellect and imagination to harness nature; we also have the intellect and compassion to preserve it.” —Governor Martin O’Malley, Maryland

Award winners are recognized for their leadership in the cause of tree planting, conservation,and environmental stewardship.

Leaders in tree planting, conservation, and environmental stewardship from around the country and world are honored each year at our annual Arbor Day Awards celebration held in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The awards ceremony is part of the annual Arbor Day weekend celebration held at Lied Lodge & Conference Center.

We inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization. A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier.